The Cait Outdoors

Postcards from Yellowstone National Park:

Which one will you send to a loved one? 💌📬

1 Lower Falls - Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
2 West Thumb Geyser Basin
3 The Road to Hayden Valley
4 Black Pool Geyser - West Thumb Geyser Basin
4 Hayden Valley Bison
5 Black Sand Basin Boardwalk
6 Views from Grand Prismatic Spring
7 Sunrise Walk at Black Sand Basin
8 The Photographer - Cait

Tales from the Tetons: A Virtual Field Trip to Taggart Lake

📍Taggart Lake Loop
🥾3.8 Miles Round Trip
⏳1-2 Hours
⛰️423 Ft. Elevation gain
💪 Easy/Moderate
🔁 Loop trail
🤫 Many Humans after 8 am
⭐ 4.8/5

The Taggart Lake Loop is another popular trail at Grand Teton National Park. This hike offers stunning views of the Teton range and the option to see Bradley Lake.

Here’s what you need to know:

👉 As always, start early. As one of the easier trails in the park, the parking lot fills up quickly
👉 There are plenty of restrooms at the trailhead. If you're well-hydrated, you'll want to visit those before you start
👉 Speaking of hydration, bring water! Although this is an easier hike, it is a nice little challenge and there is a lot of sun exposure
👉 Snacks. Need I say more?
👉 You can swim in Taggart Lake! Lots of people took the plunge while we were there. Even though it was late summer, the water was freezing

✨ I enjoyed this hike because of how diverse it was. Open fields, peaceful Meadows, heavily wooded sections, etc.

I hope this inspires YOU to visit one day 🫶

Road Trippin’

Sunset desert views, warm wind on your face, and the open road ahead. Does it get any better?

Tell me about your favorite road trip👇✨

Make sure to always stop here - it's a must!

📍Bonneville Salt Flats, Toole County, Utah
🥾Very easy
🚙 Accessible (seasonal)
⏳Quick stop, or day trip
⛺️No overnight camping
⛰️No elevation gain
🤫 Can get busy, but large enough to find your own space
⭐️ 4.5/5

The Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah are a definite must-see when traveling along I-80. Whether it’s just a quick stop or a spot to hang out for the entire day, this expansive region of salt crust offers stunning scenery and holds the distinction of being the site where numerous land speed records have been established. Encompassing about 46 square miles, the flats stretch approximately 12 miles long and 5 miles wide, making it a truly awe-inspiring destination.
Here are my recommendations for visiting the salt flats 👇

⭐️ To get to the Speedway, take Exit 4 off Interstate 80, then head north and follow the signs. Turn right on Leppy Pass Road towards the flats. You'll find a parking area at the end of the road (40°45’45.3” N 113°53’46.3 “W).

⭐Visit around sunrise or sunset for the best lighting.
⭐Be cautious when driving on the salt flats, especially in winter/spring when water can create thick clay that causes cars to get stuck. It's best to drive on the flats when they are dry.
⭐I don't recommend the salt flats as the sole destination, but as a nice stop during travel.
⭐Wendover, UT, a lovely town to stay in, is just 10 minutes west. Alternatively, Salt Lake City is about 1 hour and 40 minutes east.

✨Bonus: The BLM maintains a 24/7 live we**am of the flats, which is especially useful if you want to check whether it's covered in water before heading out.

Everything you need to know about getting to Delta Lake

📍Delta Lake Trail via Lupine Meadows Access
🥾7.4 Miles Round Trip
⏳4-5 Hours
⛰️2,300 Ft. Elevation gain
💪 Hard
🔃Out & Back
🤫 Many Humans after 8 am
⭐5/5

🚧 This hike is not an official trail in the park and rangers will not give information or trail conditions for it. Do not attempt unless you are an avid hiker ⚠️

The secret is out. Delta Lake is a highly sought-after view in Grand Teton National Park. Here’s what you need to know:

👉Arrive EARLY. Like, 4, 5, 6 am early if you want some peace and parking. We departed just after 4 am and on the way back down (7-8 am) there was a non-stop line of people. The parking lot and overflow lot were full at 8 am.
👉 Snacks and plenty of water are a must. Don’t underestimate how much water you will need. Stay hydrated, friends.
👉 Download an offline map. You will not have cell service, and the last half mile is completely unmarked. Even with a map downloaded, we got off track and did more rock scrambling than needed.
👉 Don’t forget your bear spray and bear bell

This hike is difficult yet very rewarding! . . .

Saddle Up, Partner
📍Moose Creek Ranch, Victor, ID
Your basecamp for Teton and Yellowstone adventures

Here’s why you need to stay + ride at MCR: 👇
🌲 remote, peaceful location surrounded by mountain views
🐴 friendly horses on-site - 2-hour horseback riding sessions offered multiple times throughout the day
⛺🏠 several lodging options to choose from (glamping, cabins, lodge suites)
🔥 communal campfires and smores kits
😃 friendly, helpful staff

*bonus*
The horseback ride is in *two* states 😏

Reach out if you have questions about our stay! We highly recommend MCR!

Road Trip Reminiscing

📍Devils Tower, Wyoming
👉 Formed by rare Indigenous rock and the largest example of columnar jointing in the world

A road trip must-see! Have you been?

˖ ݁𖥔 ݁˖ C L A S S I C ˖ ݁𖥔 ݁˖

Picture this:
It’s 1974, you’re hanging at the poolside cabana in your Raybans, working on your suntan and capturing memories with your Konica T3 film camera.

A Waterfall Love Story

Accompanying in my hometown was a truly nostalgic experience. Rediscovering the local waterfalls together rejuvenated my spirits and allowed me to relive cherished memories from my youth.

Do you have a favorite childhood spot that you still love to visit as an adult? I’d love to hear about it👇✨

- Be Distinct -

📍Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe

A mysterious, iconic symbol of Lake Tahoe. The perfect place to go, not to find answers, but to lose the questions. 🧘‍♀️

- Beach Daze -

📍DISCOVER: Rockaway Beach, Pacifica, CA

Why should you make this stop?
🗺️ located just off the Pacific Coast Highway
🚙 easy access and free parking
🌄 amazing headland views in both directions
🛍️ surrounded by local artisan shops and restaurants
🛌 the only beachfront hotels between San Francisco and Pacifica are located here

Where's your favorite beachfront hotel?

- Lake of Great Magmatude -

📍EXPLORE: Crater Lake, Oregon

Fun Facts:
🌋 There’s a volcano in the middle of the lake
🏝️ The lake has two islands
📏 It is the deepest lake in the US (1,943 ft 😮)
🔎 This is the only place in the world where a newt can be found
❄️ Known as the snowiest lake in the US

This beautiful location is a must-see destination!

❓Have you been to Crater Lake ❓

- Backyard Beauty -

Having the foothills of Mount Diablo in our backyard has brought me great joy. I never miss a sunrise or sunset when I’m home, and I adore the beautiful lighting that covers the hills. This area serves as our playground for activities such as hiking, picnics, photography, dog play days and star gazing. It took us almost a year to realize we had access to these trails and views.

Have you ever had a special place that you keep going back to?
-or-
Have you ever lived so close to something and never taken advantage of it?

- B A D L A N D S: Home of the Wild + Free -

Jk, it's the Land of Stone and Light.. But I beg to differ. .
All of these captures were taken on the same day, during golden hour. It’s like everyone came out to play.

Which capture is your favorite?

- Perspective -

A change in position has the power to transform one’s perspective on life. This truth has become evident to me through my experiences in photography. Whether capturing scenes from above or focusing on the intricate details in macro shots, my appreciation for both the grand and the minuscule aspects of life has deepened significantly.

What has photography done for you?

— March 2nd —

Marks my day of birth and a journey to the Redwoods, where I sought solace and rekindled my passion for photography. Whenever life becomes overwhelming and chaotic, I find comfort in the peaceful and serene environment of the woods.
🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
Where do you go to find your solace?

- Mountain Textures//Banff Edition -

The Canadian Rockies are incredible year-round. But experiencing this winter wonderland was unforgettable. I've never been so cold in my life and my camera stopped working shortly after this shot due to the frigid temps, but my soul was on fire 😍🔥

- 3️⃣ Waterfalls 1️⃣ Trail -

Out of all my Tennessee waterfall adventures, Greeter Falls Loop Trail was the most fascinating.
The Savage Gulf State Natural Area is full of cascading waters, sheer sandstone cliffs, and thick forests.
My favorite time to visit is after fresh snow ❄️ There is something special about being the first footprints and having the winter wonderland to yourself.

- Thankful for Progress -

I’m thankful for many things this year, one of them being my progression with editing. Although I have a long way to go, I’m thankful I’m not replacing skies and adding saturation and contrast anymore 😂

*Same photo, 2 years of editing progress *

📸🙌

Life's better by the campfire, especially in our snug apparel. 🏕️🔥

La vie est plus belle au coin du feu, surtout dans nos vêtements douillets. 🏕️🔥



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✨Check out the website below to see more of my work!
🔥Also, check out these heated products! Highly recommend and perfect for this cooler weather!
📸If you’re into camera gear, this clip was filmed using the Dji mini 3 pro and Sony a7rIV paird with the Dji Ronin SC. Edited with Premier Pro.

Chaheati - The Original Patented Heated Chair Chaheati - The Original Patented Heated Chair

- Make it Spooky -

You know what’s spooky? AI.
Have you tried the new Photoshop generative fill?

Swipe for the real deal. Hope Valley is bursting with color right now 🍂
Photo 2: Sony a7rIV
Photo 3: DJI Mini 3

Happy Halloween!
👻🕷️🕸️🎃

- Feathered and Fabulous -

This collection of photos really tells the story of my morning at Point Lobos. The birds really knew how to put on a show and the fog created the perfect mood and lighting.

Can anyone tell me what kind of bird is in the first and last photo? I spent a lot of time watching it.

- Sunset Lover -

Did you know that in Costa Rica the sun sets early every day? Year-round, the daylight length doesn't vary that much with ~12 hours of daylight. In other words, sunset is always around 5-6 PM and sunrise is around 5-6 AM.
Even during the longest day of the year.

Which photo is your favorite? It was hard for me to choose a lead.

- Costa Rica Wildlife -

Tell me, which is your favorite?
1. Tucan
2. Butterfly
3. Iguana
4. Sloth
5. Squirrel
6. Coati

Have you ever heard of a Coati? They are closely related to raccoons and can be found in Southwestern US and South America. Their ears are sooo cute!

- Thirst Quencher -

The Gatorade-colored water of the Rio Celeste is not photoshopped, it's THAT blue. Although, it’s an optical illusion caused by white minerals that coat the rocks underneath the water. The whiteness of the stones makes the water look far bluer than your average river!

The hike to get to this stunning waterfall was full of wildlife like sloths, coati, toucans, and more!

Have you seen a waterfall this color before? This was a first for me!

-Take a Closer Look-

Same waterfall, three perspectives. It's been a while since I've had a post and it feels so good to be back 🙌

Happy Wednesday, friends!

— Flocking Beautiful —

My first time visiting Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and it was beautiful! These photos were taken at China Cove via Bird Island trail.

Believe it or not, I originally started this Instagram for my photos of birds. I've been finding that passion again lately and it’s been a great reminder to have patience.

What do you wish you took more photos of?

— the calm before the storm —

The storm being people.

Entering Yosemite at 4am is worth it when you get views like this, and the only sounds are the birds chirping and the waterfalls crashing 😌✨

Where’s your quiet place?

-Live life with no egrets-

See what I did there? 😏

Fun fact: the bright yellow color of the egret's feet attracts small fish to them, making it easier to collect food.